Question 1079735
Solving by factoring
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x^2+(3x) = 54
The coefficient of x is 3. Take 1/2 of the coefficient, square it, and add it to both sides: 3/1/2 = 3/2; 3/2^2 = 9/4 now add this to both sides:
x^2+3x+9/4 = 225/4
Now we can write the left side as a square:
(x+3/2)^2 = 225/4
take the sqrt both sides and we have two possible answers:
x+3/2 = 15/2 or x+3/2 = -15/2 
now solve for x, one equation at a time:
x+3/2-3/2 = 15/2-3/2
x = 12/2 = 6
Next:
x+3/2 = -15/2 subtract 3/2 from both sides
x = -18/2 = -9
We are not looking for a negative number, so let's try 6:
6^2+(3*6) = 54
36+18 = 54 how do you know, we got the right answer ;-)
:
John